Thanks for that.
Perhaps I'll offer £20 then.
Doesn't sound a lot, but they're a lot of work. There are probably still
lots of churches replacing pews with stacking chairs so they can have
playgroups etc.
The backs are t&g in framed panels
they will stay in one piece if removed but cutting down the size to a
muntin (stub tenoned I assume) means no mortice and tenon at one end.
I would be interested in your tips.
As long as you have one joint in the back, they'll be stable enough. For 6
footers I used to cut the back 3 ft either side of a joint. Around 4ft
normally gave you joints at both ends.
Tips. Hm. It was a long time ago but here's how I used to do them:
1) Rock the pew to and fro to loosen the cut nails that fix them to the
floor, then prise up with a wrecking bar.
2) Locate the wooden plugs (usually 4) in the ends. Drill a hole and chip
the rest out neatly with a small screwdriver.
3) Use a brace and screwdriver bit to start the screws off. They are
normally 4" size 14. With a brace you're at a good height to swing it
upwards sharply from a 4 o'clock position. The impact works better than
trying to apply force alone. Tap the pew ends off with a block of wood
and
club hammer. If the ends are nailed on (unusual) , it's a bitch and really
easy to split them lengthways
4) Once the ends are off , lay the pew on its back, remove the supports
under the seat, and rock the seat. This snaps the cut nails used to fix it
to the back. These are usually 3-4" long and impossible to pull out. The
seat is tongued into the back about 1/4 inch.
Cutting down and re-assembling is pretty straightforward but *keep the
ends
paired*. The housing that takes the seat/back isn't always the same. I
used
to number them to be sure.
I'll probably think of other things but let us know if your offer is
accepted.
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